Sinai Hospital’s Rapid HIV program is helping more Baltimore citizens learn their status.
The program, which allows those in Sinai ER-7 to have a quick free test to learn whether they are HIV positive, recently received funding to continue for another three years. The program began in 2008.
“The program as a whole is testing more people than expected,” says Penny Green, Rapid HIV Program Coordinator. There have been about 8,193 people tested as of November 30, 2010 and 69 of those were HIV positive. When people are HIV positive, the sooner they learn their status, the sooner they can begin treatment and increase their life expectancy, as well as reduce the chance of spreading the disease to someone else.
Many people are reassured by the results of being negative, and Green follows up with those who are positive, connecting them to the services offered at Sinai. Those who are positive are also tested for syphilis.
While there are other sites in the city offering free HIV testing, the program is a convenient way to offer the test, especially for those who would not have sought out testing otherwise.
“There’s a gap in routine testing and we are meeting that need,” says Carine Chen-McLaughlin, case management coordinator. “There’s no stigma and it’s less threatening to people, as they are already here.”
To find additional information on free HIV testing in Baltimore, click here.
Showing posts with label Sinai ER-7. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sinai ER-7. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Helping Out Around the Holidays
LifeBridge Health employees show their commitment to less fortunate members of the community by participating in holiday themed drives and programs at this time of the year.
Both Sinai and Northwest hospitals participate in Adopt-A-Family programs. At Northwest, there are 10 families with children. Each participating department receives a list of what the children need, and provides items like clothes, books and toys. At Sinai, there are 42 families with children who are being helped by departments.
The Sinai Employee Activities Committee is sponsoring its annual Hat, Glove and Scarf Drive to benefit pediatric and adult Sinai ER-7 patients. All sizes are appreciated. Collection boxes will be located at the lobby desk in the main hospital, as well as in the Security office on the ground floor. The collection will end Saturday, December 18.
Sinai Volunteer Services also asks for donations of clothing, especially comfortable athletic gear and men's clothing. Donations can be dropped off at the Sinai Volunteer Services office, located on the ground floor. Volunteer Services also appreciates donations of current news or culture magazines.
Both Sinai and Northwest hospitals participate in Adopt-A-Family programs. At Northwest, there are 10 families with children. Each participating department receives a list of what the children need, and provides items like clothes, books and toys. At Sinai, there are 42 families with children who are being helped by departments.
The Sinai Employee Activities Committee is sponsoring its annual Hat, Glove and Scarf Drive to benefit pediatric and adult Sinai ER-7 patients. All sizes are appreciated. Collection boxes will be located at the lobby desk in the main hospital, as well as in the Security office on the ground floor. The collection will end Saturday, December 18.
Sinai Volunteer Services also asks for donations of clothing, especially comfortable athletic gear and men's clothing. Donations can be dropped off at the Sinai Volunteer Services office, located on the ground floor. Volunteer Services also appreciates donations of current news or culture magazines.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Nursing as a Second Profession: A Success Story
Do you feel stuck in your current job or that you're meant to do something meaningful?
If so, look to Rich Van Rensselaer, R.N., who works in Sinai's ER-7. Van Rensselaer, formerly the owner of a specialty wine and liquor store in Florida, graduated in May from the University of Maryland with a master’s in clinical nurse leadership. Van Rensselaer, 45, was recently profiled in the New York Times. To read more, click here.
If so, look to Rich Van Rensselaer, R.N., who works in Sinai's ER-7. Van Rensselaer, formerly the owner of a specialty wine and liquor store in Florida, graduated in May from the University of Maryland with a master’s in clinical nurse leadership. Van Rensselaer, 45, was recently profiled in the New York Times. To read more, click here.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Sinai Leads Regional Security Project
As a recognized leaders in hospital emergency preparedness and regional planning, Sinai Hospital was one of two hospitals invited to an event Friday with Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano.
Secretary Napolitano toured the Maryland Urban Search and Rescue warehouse facility, which is being shared to house assets from the Region III Alternate Care Site project. This is part of the federally funded Urban Areas Security Initiative. Pictured at right are Christina Hughes, Franklin Square Hospital; Beth Neilson, Sinai Emergency Preparedness Coordinator; Bob Maloney, Director of Mayor's Office of Emergency Management with three of his staff members; Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and Secretary Napolitano.
This Alternate Care site project has supplies and equipment to set up a field hospital in case of a natural disaster or mass emergency. It has 24-7 deployment options, which further enhances the Baltimore region's capabilities.
Sinai Hospital is the project lead on this regional initiative, one of three projects that received an overall funding award of $2 million.
"Today was an exciting day for Sinai, as there is an intense time commitment and dedication toward making these projects, which are managed over and above the day to day demands within Sinai, a successful endeavor," says Neilson. She also commended Sinai Director of Patient Care Services Diane Bongiovanni on her support for the project.
"Sinai and its leadership remains on the forefront of these initiatives based on its commitment to the safety and well-being of the patients we serve," Neilson says.
Sinai also presented on this project initiative at a national conference in Washington, D.C. in August. It supports Joint Commission emergency management requirements for community alternate care site capabilities.
Secretary Napolitano toured the Maryland Urban Search and Rescue warehouse facility, which is being shared to house assets from the Region III Alternate Care Site project. This is part of the federally funded Urban Areas Security Initiative. Pictured at right are Christina Hughes, Franklin Square Hospital; Beth Neilson, Sinai Emergency Preparedness Coordinator; Bob Maloney, Director of Mayor's Office of Emergency Management with three of his staff members; Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and Secretary Napolitano.
This Alternate Care site project has supplies and equipment to set up a field hospital in case of a natural disaster or mass emergency. It has 24-7 deployment options, which further enhances the Baltimore region's capabilities.
Sinai Hospital is the project lead on this regional initiative, one of three projects that received an overall funding award of $2 million.
"Today was an exciting day for Sinai, as there is an intense time commitment and dedication toward making these projects, which are managed over and above the day to day demands within Sinai, a successful endeavor," says Neilson. She also commended Sinai Director of Patient Care Services Diane Bongiovanni on her support for the project.
"Sinai and its leadership remains on the forefront of these initiatives based on its commitment to the safety and well-being of the patients we serve," Neilson says.
Sinai also presented on this project initiative at a national conference in Washington, D.C. in August. It supports Joint Commission emergency management requirements for community alternate care site capabilities.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Sinai Pitches in at Maccabi Games
Sinai ER-7 staff once again volunteered with the 2010 Maccabi Games, a part of the 2010 JCC Maccabi Experience. The games, which are an Olympic-style competition, is the largest organized sports program for Jewish teenagers in the world, with 5,000 Jewish teens participating.
The staff participate
d over four days during this month's games, staffing two different first aid stations, said Sinai ER-7 nurse manager Sheryl Thorpe, RN, BSN, CEN. Staff included physicians, nurse practitioners and nurses. This is the third time Sinai has provided first-aid coverage. Pictured at left are Sinai's Martha Saroop, RN II, and Jessica Tracy, critical care technician.Helping out reflects Sinai's mission of "excellence in patient care, education and community service building on Jewish values."
The Maccabi Games allow teenagers to participate in one of 14 sporting competitions, and fosters pride in being Jewish. The 2010 JCC Maccabi Experience® was presented this year by the Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore (JCC), along with its partner organization, the JCC Association of North America.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Staying Cool in the Summer
As Baltimore residents stagger through another week of high temperatures, health experts once again are stressing the importance of staying hydrated.
Chandresh Shelat, M.D., Sinai ER-7, spoke with WJZ-TV last week about the heat.
"Your blood pressure can drop; you can get confused," he said, and the consequences can be deadly without following common sense precautions.
According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, the signs of heat stroke can include:
In extreme weather, those without air conditioning should take a shower or bath to cool down or move to an air-conditioned location. Wear light, loose-fitting clothing and, of course, drink lots of water. Remember to check on elderly neighbors.
Pets are also at risk in this hot weather - remember to make sure our friends with fur coats have plenty of water and access to cool spots. Never leave a pet in the car.
To learn more, read the CDC report on Extreme Heat: A Prevention Guide to Promote Your Personal Health and Safety.
Chandresh Shelat, M.D., Sinai ER-7, spoke with WJZ-TV last week about the heat.
"Your blood pressure can drop; you can get confused," he said, and the consequences can be deadly without following common sense precautions.
According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, the signs of heat stroke can include:
- Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)
- Rapid, strong pulse
- Throbbing headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Unconsciousness
In extreme weather, those without air conditioning should take a shower or bath to cool down or move to an air-conditioned location. Wear light, loose-fitting clothing and, of course, drink lots of water. Remember to check on elderly neighbors.
Pets are also at risk in this hot weather - remember to make sure our friends with fur coats have plenty of water and access to cool spots. Never leave a pet in the car.
To learn more, read the CDC report on Extreme Heat: A Prevention Guide to Promote Your Personal Health and Safety.
Friday, June 25, 2010
A Safe Haven for Mothers
The Safe Haven law in Maryland, passed in 2002, allows mothers to leave newborn babies at a hospital, fire or police station without being prosecuted and with no questions asked.
That means Sinai and Northwest hospitals are safe havens. The purpose of the law is to protect newborn babies who may be abandoned by their mothers who are afraid they would be subject to legal action if they cannot keep the child. The law aims to protect the health of a newborn baby, who may be especially at risk if a pregnant woman is fearful or in denial of her pregnancy.
The baby must be 10 days old or younger and unharmed for the mother to be protected by this law. The mother needs to hand the baby to someone at a Safe Haven facility and say that she cannot take the baby. If she is willing to answer a few questions with a social worker it is helpful, but not required.
Hospital employees should know that if a mother hands their baby to them and states they cannot keep the baby, the employee should call security, and an officer will escort the baby and employee to Sinai ER-7 or Northwest ER-7. The mother may either leave at that time or go with the baby and employee to answer questions.
A baby who is brought to a hospital will be examined and treated, and a social worker will notify the Baltimore City Department of Social Services or Baltimore County Department of Social Services. The baby will be placed in a safe foster care or potential adoptive home.
That means Sinai and Northwest hospitals are safe havens. The purpose of the law is to protect newborn babies who may be abandoned by their mothers who are afraid they would be subject to legal action if they cannot keep the child. The law aims to protect the health of a newborn baby, who may be especially at risk if a pregnant woman is fearful or in denial of her pregnancy.
The baby must be 10 days old or younger and unharmed for the mother to be protected by this law. The mother needs to hand the baby to someone at a Safe Haven facility and say that she cannot take the baby. If she is willing to answer a few questions with a social worker it is helpful, but not required.
Hospital employees should know that if a mother hands their baby to them and states they cannot keep the baby, the employee should call security, and an officer will escort the baby and employee to Sinai ER-7 or Northwest ER-7. The mother may either leave at that time or go with the baby and employee to answer questions.
A baby who is brought to a hospital will be examined and treated, and a social worker will notify the Baltimore City Department of Social Services or Baltimore County Department of Social Services. The baby will be placed in a safe foster care or potential adoptive home.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Remember Fireworks Safety This Weekend
What would the Fourth of July be without fireworks?
But if you’ve ever shuddered at seeing a 5-year-old waving a sparkler with abandon, you have good cause to be scared – according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sparklers accounted for one-third of the injuries to children less than 5 years of age. In 2006, 11 people died and an estimated 9,200 were treated in emergency departments for fireworks-related injuries in the United States.
Sandra Garrett, Sinai ER-7 nurse manager, says it’s not uncommon to see children with fireworks' injuries on this holiday weekend. A child's skin tends to be thinner and damages more easily from fire, she says.
“It’s important to remember that burns can be prevented,” Garrett says.
The National Council on Fireworks Safety recommends that only children over the age of 12 should be allowed to handle sparklers. Other tips for firework safety include never relighting a “dud” firework, always having water handy, not allowing anyone intoxicated to handle the pyrotechnics, and never making your own fireworks. All children and pets should be kept at a safe distance from fireworks.
In the event of a problem, Garrett says the first step is to stop the burning process.
Then, “put water or ice on the burn, not an ointment,” she says.
But if you’ve ever shuddered at seeing a 5-year-old waving a sparkler with abandon, you have good cause to be scared – according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sparklers accounted for one-third of the injuries to children less than 5 years of age. In 2006, 11 people died and an estimated 9,200 were treated in emergency departments for fireworks-related injuries in the United States.
Sandra Garrett, Sinai ER-7 nurse manager, says it’s not uncommon to see children with fireworks' injuries on this holiday weekend. A child's skin tends to be thinner and damages more easily from fire, she says.
“It’s important to remember that burns can be prevented,” Garrett says.
The National Council on Fireworks Safety recommends that only children over the age of 12 should be allowed to handle sparklers. Other tips for firework safety include never relighting a “dud” firework, always having water handy, not allowing anyone intoxicated to handle the pyrotechnics, and never making your own fireworks. All children and pets should be kept at a safe distance from fireworks.
In the event of a problem, Garrett says the first step is to stop the burning process.
Then, “put water or ice on the burn, not an ointment,” she says.
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